March 30, 2001

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Wake Forest athletes Michael Collins (Hickory, N.C.) and Brenda Mock Kirkpatrick (Waynesville, N.C.) were recently selected as 2001 All American Strength and Conditioning Athletes by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Collins is a rising senior on the WFU football team, while Kirkpatrick just closed out her career as a member of the Deacon womenâs basketball squad.

The Wake Forest duo is part of a group of 173 student-athletes selected from 74 colleges and universities nationwide as 2001 All-Americans. These athletes, which are nominated by the strength coaches at their respective institutions, are recognized for their athletic accomplishments, academic and personal achievements, community involvement and leadership qualities as well as their dedication to strength training and conditioning.

Collins has been a key member of the Deacon offensive line the last two seasons, and is a candidate for All-ACC honors heading into the 2001 campaign. After undergoing knee surgery following the second game of the 2000 season, Collins dedicated himself to a speedy recovery, and was able to return for the final seven games of the year. His presence on the line played a part in the improvement of the Deacon rushing game over the course of the season.

Kirkpatrick was an honorable mention All-ACC selection in 2001, having led the Deacons in steals, rebounds and averaging double figures in scoring. She suffered a knee injury which forced her to redshirt her first season at WFU, but she came back to play in all 111 games of her collegiate career over the next four years, making a significant impact on the Deacon squad. Kirkpatrick was also selected as a Verizon Academic All-America District III selection this season.